The essence of competitiveness is liberated when we make people believe that what they think and do is important - and then get out of their way while they do it.

If you're a leader and you're the smartest guy in the world - in the room, you've got real problems.

Ideally, the star will be replaced within eight hours. This sends the message that no single individual is bigger than the company.

We know where most of the creativity, the innovation, the stuff that drives productivity lies-in the minds of those closest to the work. It's been there in front of our noses all along while we've been running around chasing robots and reading books on how to become Japanese-or at least manage like them.

One of the things about leadership is that you cannot be a moderate, balanced, thoughtful, careful articulator of policy. You've got to be on the lunatic fringe.

I’ve learned in a hundred ways that I rarely regretted acting but often regretted NOT acting fast enough.

Does coaching work? Yes. Good coaches provide a truly important service. They tell you the truth when no one else will.